The Order of the White Rose of Finland was established by Gustaf Mannerheim in his capacity as regent (temporary head of state) on January 28, 1919. The name comes from the nine roses argent in the coat of arms of Finland. The order's rules and regulations were confirmed on May 16, 1919, and its present rules date from June 1, 1940. The revised scale of ranks was confirmed most recently in 1985. The original decorations were designed by Akseli Gallen-Kallela. The swastikas of the collar was replaced by fir crosses in 1963, designed by heraldic artist Gustaf von Numers. The honour can be granted for military as well as civilian merit. The ribbon for all classes is ultramarine. The motto of the Order appears on the medallion and is Isänmaan hyväksi, which means in Finnish: "For the Well-Being of the Fatherland".

The President of Finland wears the Grand Cross of the White Rose of Finland with Collar (a neck chain). The Collar is worn four centimetres from either side and hangs at equal distances at the front and back. To the Grand Cross, like also to the Commander marks is awarded with the Brisket Star.

Executive Director - International Programs, FEMBA/GAP programs, UCLA Anderson School of Management; as a First Class Knight, on December 11, 2004[6] "for assisting the expansion of Finnish start-up companies through the UCLA Anderson's Global Access Program."[6]

James Cathey, 2007

Tim Purcell, 2008

Managing Director, KIX Consulting Group, President and Board Member of Finland Australia Chamber of Commerce. Knight 1st Class awarded 3 October 2008, presented in NSW Parliament House 6 Dec 2008 by the Finnish Ambassador Glenn Lindholm for fostering bilateral relationships between Australia and Finland Government, Business and Academia in the area of innovation.

Professor, Director - GAP, UCLA Anderson School of Management; as a First Class Knight, on December 09, 2011[7] "in recognition of his efforts, through the GAP program, to help Finnish technology companies expand into markets abroad, including the United States"[8] and their advancement "further in corporate development."[7]